Trim Router Reviews

Expert reviews of the latest and best Trim Routers on the market from top manufacturers Bosch, Dewalt, Makita and Rigid. Trim router have become an indispensable power tool in most workshops. They can be used for a wide variety of tasks including routing for inlay cavities and hinge mortises, rounding over edges, flush trimming hardwood edging, and a whole lot more.

When trim routers first came out they were only used for one purpose – trimming laminate, which is why they’re still called laminate trimmers. But that’s all changed in the 20 years that they’ve been on the market and they are now one of the most versatile tools in the workshop. They can be used for a wide variety of tasks including routing for inlay cavities and hinge mortises, rounding over edges, flush trimming hardwood edging, and a whole lot more. Find out which one is the best.

The Dewalt DWP611PK is Dewalt’s fantastic router combo kit in the 1.25 hp trim router class. Most router manufacturers have a fixed-base trim router but Dewalt is the only one to produce a router combo kit in this class. In fact the Dewalt DWP611PK is the only plunge router available in this power bracket, meaning if you want a small, lightweight plunge router, the Dewalt DWP611PK is it.

The Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router is a fantastic little router. It’s small and lightweight and the motor is exceptionally smooth and quiet, making it very easy to use one-handed. The quick release cam lock system makes changing bases a matter of seconds and it’s got a variable speed control dial as well as electronic speed control and soft start – all in all, it’s a hell of a lot of router for under $100.

The Bosch PR20EVSK is Bosch’s excellent entry in the 1.0 hp trim router market. With its light weight, superb ergonomics and variable-speed motor, it sets the standard for small routers. The small size and light weight means it’s very agile and easy to control, and can even be used one handed, offering the perfect balance of power, precision and control. Once you start using it you’ll find yourself using it for more and more jobs.